The Daemon doesn’t appear to be impressed. He levels a flat look at the King of the Angels before grabbing my arm. “This male is under the protection of King Aidoneus. You will not threaten him again, or it will be dealt with as a threat against the king himself.”
Raphael’s face falls as he turns to me beseechingly. “Come on. We were just having some fun, weren’t we, Captain?”
I stare at him. “No. This was not fun at all.”
The King of the Angels takes another step towards me before the Daemon snaps out his arm. “I think you should leave,” Toth’toros says, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Raphael growls, his gaze darting from me to the Daemon before huffing. “This isn’t over, human.”
Then, before I can reply, Helena’s uncle turns on his heels. I watch as his wings disappear down the hallway before letting out a sigh of relief. “Great, now I have two demigods out for my blood,” I rub my hand over my face as Toth’toros studies me.
“Ignore the asshat demigod,” the Daemon says conversationally. He leans against the other wall, his wings flat. “He’s always been blinded by power. Even as a young godling, he didn’t understand that everything has limits. He was a piss-poor partygoer, if you get my drift.”
I raise my brows. “You’ve known him for that long?”
The Daemon chortles, “I am far older than you could ever imagine, human.”
“I see.” We stare at each other for a few minutes before an idea pops into my head. I quickly relay it to the Daemon, who taps his chin briefly before nodding.
“Yes,” Toth’toros says. “I can arrange that. In the meantime, the King sent me a message to escort you to your apartment. Helena will meet you there.”
“Lead the way,” I say.
“Speaking of Helena, I was kind of a dick to her. So, if you can put in a good word for me, I’d appreciate it. Let her know that I didn’t mean any harm?”
I look at him from the corner of my eye. “What exactly did you do?”
He shrugs. “I threw her in prison.”
I whip around.
“Woah, it was before we knew who she was.” He holds up his hands in supplication.
I walk ahead of him, “Yeah, I think your best bet is groveling.”
“Damn.”
I laugh.
As we walk, I cannot help but contemplate everything that has happened. The weight of what I have agreed to settles on my shoulders. It doesn’t feel heavy. Instead, it feels like life.
Long life.
With the female I love.
With Helena, I know I can do anything. Even deal with her family. As long as she is by my side.
36
A Full Heart
HELENA
Once the door bangs shut behind Erik, I turn back towards my uncle. Aidoneus has swiveled his chair around and is now writing on scratchy paper.
I cross into his personal space and throw my arms around his neck. He freezes, but then his wings relax, and he wraps an arm around my shoulders.
“You’re welcome, Helena,” he says.